1.
summer heat; hot weather; heat of summer
The heat and warmth of summer, or the hot air characteristic of the summer season. A somewhat literary or formal way to refer to summer heat.
Most commonly appears in the compound 暑気払い (beating the summer heat — typically through food, drink, or outings), which is a traditional Japanese custom of enjoying cold foods and beverages or gathering with friends during the hottest part of summer. Also seen in 暑気当たり (heatstroke/heat exhaustion — a somewhat old-fashioned term). Homophones: 初期 (initial stage), 書記 (secretary) — different words. Related: 猛暑 (intense heat — stronger), 残暑 (lingering summer heat — after the peak has passed).